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Sort of an interesting debate there. +$400 for the display and more ports is a bit of a stretch for a lot of folks. I've been on the mind that if you're going Pro you really should get the Pro chip. Also, Airs aren't really "budget" given how capable they are. This is solid for the storage and RAM
This 13.6 inch MacBook Air M5 stands out as a lightweight, highly portable machine with unusually strong specs for the size, especially 24GB of memory and a 1TB SSD. The M5 chip is described as genuinely capable for everyday work, coding, and even video editing, while the screen, trackpad, and battery life keep the Air appealing for travel. The main tradeoff is the smaller display and fewer ports versus a 14 inch Pro, and the price feels steep for an Air to some. It suits buyers who value portability and memory over a bigger screen or extra connectivity.
Frequent travelers who want a lighter laptop, because the Air is easier to carry and still feels powerful enough for coding and video editing.
Yes if portability matters most: the Air is lighter, and several comments say the weight difference is noticeable on travel and daily carry. The 14-inch Pro offers a better display and more ports, but the Air is the easier machine to lug around.
The M5 Air is described as capable enough for web, email, coding, and even video editing for many users. It is also viewed as a strong fit when you want more RAM and storage in a lighter chassis.
The 13.6-inch model is the more compact option, while the 15-inch Air gives a bigger screen and a bit more cooling headroom. If you want the best balance of portability and screen size, the 15-inch is favored; if you want the smallest carry, the 13.6-inch is the pick.
Yes. One order marked 'like new' arrived as unopened brown outer packaging with an unopened MacBook box, and AppleCare warranty did not start until login, effectively making it a new unit and saving about $80.
Yes, Costco has been price matching the same 13-inch MacBook Air M5 24GB/1TB configuration through 5/10 or while supplies last. That can be useful if you want the same spec at Costco instead of this deal.
Yes, Air is cheaper,but that is not the only reason. It is also lighter, so people prefer the air for portability. I have both, I used mainly the air when travel between home and work. It does everything as well as the pro. I asked my children which one they prefer for high school and college, all of them wanted the air.
I got my MacBook Pro M5 for $1,349 at Costco. It only has 16GB memory and a 512GB SSD, but it feels like a much better value than this Air since the display is incredible. I'm sure the difference between 16GB and 24GB RAM will matter a lot for some people though.
It depends. I've been carrying two 16" MacBook Pro M1 Pro & Max for 5 years and I can tell you it's a nightmare. That's why I bought the 14" MacBook Pro M5 Max recently, but still too heavy for travel. And that's why I also bought one 13" MacBook Air M5 and one 15" MacBook Air M5 this week. The 15" Air is a perfect balance between portability and screen size. Both the 13" Air and 14" Pro are a bit small for my need but I'd definitely stay away from getting another 16" Pro.
I got my MacBook Pro M5 for $1,349 at Costco. It only has 16GB memory and a 512GB SSD, but it feels like a much better value than this Air since the display is incredible. I'm sure the difference between 16GB and 24GB RAM will matter a lot for some people though.
Also, the MacBook Pro you bought is the base model (released last year), not the Pro/Max version that was just released last month. The base MacBook Pro M5 is an interesting model as it's using the old M1-M4 keyboard and the old Wi-Fi + Bluetooth chip (basically it's a transitional model between M4 and the "real" M5 ones). The MacBook Air M5 comes with the same M5 chip, but with a newer keyboard and Wi-Fi + Bluetooth chip.
The 13.6" Air no longer makes sense to me in the lineup. Because if you really NEED the power, you're more than likely to be better served by the 14" Pro which is also quite compact but has a dramatically better display and IO. But if you just want a laptop to do basic, everyday things like browse the web and email, you're also better served by the Neo at half the price.The 15.3" Air however... A machine with no real competitor imo.
I have the pro m3 with 48GB RAM, 2TB HD and prefer my m4 air even though it's only 16GB. It's powerful enough for video editing and coding. The weight difference is the biggest thing for me and Air is powerful enough for most tasks.
I've had the Pro and have the Air and the Air just makes more sense for carrying around due to weight difference. The new air M5 is actually very performative now. This is a great deal who are looking for this form factor.
It's the similar laptop except the $1549 is 15 inch rather than 13 inch. So it's up to you if you need the bigger screen. You get a slight performance since there's more room for cooling. So up to you.
Last edited by datlaziboi April 23, 2026 at 02:32 PM.
The 13.6" Air no longer makes sense to me in the lineup. Because if you really NEED the power, you're more than likely to be better served by the 14" Pro which is also quite compact but has a dramatically better display and IO. But if you just want a laptop to do basic, everyday things like browse the web and email, you're also better served by the Neo at half the price.The 15.3" Air however... A machine with no real competitor imo.
The Neo is too underpowered, the Pro is too expensive. The Air makes perfect sense.
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macbook pro 14 inch owner here, it's too heavy for my travels. looking into the air if I can justify the 13.6 inch screen, quite small but manageable I think, well there's no perfect product.
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Community Reviews
This 13.6 inch MacBook Air M5 stands out as a lightweight, highly portable machine with unusually strong specs for the size, especially 24GB of memory and a 1TB SSD. The M5 chip is described as genuinely capable for everyday work, coding, and even video editing, while the screen, trackpad, and battery life keep the Air appealing for travel. The main tradeoff is the smaller display and fewer ports versus a 14 inch Pro, and the price feels steep for an Air to some. It suits buyers who value portability and memory over a bigger screen or extra connectivity.
Common Questions (5)
Yes if portability matters most: the Air is lighter, and several comments say the weight difference is noticeable on travel and daily carry. The 14-inch Pro offers a better display and more ports, but the Air is the easier machine to lug around.
The M5 Air is described as capable enough for web, email, coding, and even video editing for many users. It is also viewed as a strong fit when you want more RAM and storage in a lighter chassis.
The 13.6-inch model is the more compact option, while the 15-inch Air gives a bigger screen and a bit more cooling headroom. If you want the best balance of portability and screen size, the 15-inch is favored; if you want the smallest carry, the 13.6-inch is the pick.
Yes. One order marked 'like new' arrived as unopened brown outer packaging with an unopened MacBook box, and AppleCare warranty did not start until login, effectively making it a new unit and saving about $80.
Yes, Costco has been price matching the same 13-inch MacBook Air M5 24GB/1TB configuration through 5/10 or while supplies last. That can be useful if you want the same spec at Costco instead of this deal.
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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